What's Good

30-07-10: Audi unveiled the A7 Sportback in Munich - a model described as a four-door coupe designed to be a more practical alternative to the Audi A8 and a rival to the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLS.

4,970mm long x 1,910mm wide. Up to 1,390 litres luggage capacity.

It integrates saloon car versatility and hatchback practicality into a premium coupe silhouette. By reinterpreting the concept for the larger executive class, the A7 Sportback will project the Vorsprung durch Technik brand into yet another new segment when it joins the UK range as its 35 member in January 2011.

The new A7 Sportback will initially offer a choice of four FSI petrol and TDI engines delivering strong pulling power with limousine-like polish. The naturally aspirated 204bhp 2.8-litre FSI and supercharged 300bhp 3.0-litre TFSI petrol units will be complemented by two versions of the acclaimed 3.0-litre TDI in 204bhp and 245bhp .

For the first time in Audi models at this level, these will be combined with the rapid-shifting seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch sports transmission (on quattro models). The all-wheel-drive system appears in latest generation form with a 40/60 rear bias and featuring the crown gear differential first seen in the RS 5, which can vary torque distribution between the front and rear axles even more widely for even greater agility.

The Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system will be fitted as standard to all models, enabling the driver to fine tune steering weighting, throttle response and transmission shift points at the touch of a button. The keenest performance enthusiasts will also be able to specify the optional quattro sport differential enabling torque transfer between the rear wheels.

The latest direct injection technology puts its engine range at the forefront of efficiency, and all four units also combine innovative Audi thermal management, energy recuperation during coasting and braking and the now familiar engine start-stop function.

With the added benefit of new engine load-reducing electromechanical power steering, and the fuel-sparing, torque converter-free Audi multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission fitted as standard to front-wheel-drive versions, fuel economy of up to 53.3mpg, and CO₂ of as little as 139g/km is possible if the 3.0 TDI (204bhp) is specified.

Economy can also be further optimized when the standard satellite navigation system is upgraded to MMI navigation plus, the detailed route data from which can be used to factor corners into the automatic transmission’s shift strategy and avoid unnecessary, fuel-sapping gear changes. The optional adaptive cruise control and adaptive light swivelling cornering light systems are also influenced by feedback from the navigation unit.

A completely new and exclusive-to-Audi platform employing advanced five link front and trapezoidal link rear suspension system will bring impeccable comfort and control to the new A7 Sportback, and can be specified with a firmer, 10mm lower sport setting or an even more intensively handling-oriented S line configuration. For drivers craving maximum continent-crossing refinement an extensively revised version of the Audi adaptive air suspension system with three ride settings will be offered as an option.

In terms of size the new A7 Sportback stands almost toe to toe with the current A6 Saloon with a length of 4.97m and width of 1,91m, although its elegantly tapered coupe roofline ensures that it sits even more purposefully on the road. The executive class dimensions are reflected in executive class interior space for up to four adults, and when luggage takes precedence up to 1390 litres of capacity can be made available and is easily accessible via the long tailgate with its standard motorized operation, which also enables the precise opening angle to be set via buttons on the hatch.

The ‘hub’ of the interior is the advanced Multi Media Interface (MMI) system with retractable 6.5-inch monitor, which with its large central control knob and reduced number of buttons is now even more intuitive to use when operating the standard high end audio and navigation systems and the Bluetooth phone interface.

MMI will be upgradeable at extra cost to MMI Touch with its 8-inch monitor and fingertip sensitive touch pad as seen first in the new A8. As well as ultra-intelligent 3D navigation mapping, the new MMI Touch system can store audio tracks and telephone data on its sizeable hard disk. To enter a destination or phone number, the driver need only draw the required letters or numbers with their index finger on the touch pad.

For the first time in a production Audi, a ‘head-up’ display will be available at extra cost in the A7 Sportback. The sophisticated system will project key information, including economy and speed data and navigation routing onto the windscreen so that it appears to float at a distance of around 2.5 metres ahead of the driver.

Another key option that is new to Audi models of this size is the park assist system.  Using ultrasonic sensors that detect parallel and horizontal parking spaces, the system can completely take over the steering function when parking at the touch of a button, leaving the driver responsible only for throttle and brake application as required.

The list of optional driver aids will also include a night vision assistant employing a thermal imaging camera to highlight persons in front of the car, the Audi side assist blind spot warning system, the Audi lane assist lane departure detection system and the new Audi pre-sense system first seen in the new A8. In its standard form pre-sense analyzes the information from the ESP sensors and intervenes to activate the hazard warning lights, close the side windows and sunroof and tension the seatbelts when maximum brake application or skidding is detected.

The pre-sense system can be expanded in various stages at extra cost: the full version brakes the car automatically in order to minimize the consequences of a nose-to-tail collision.

11-07-11: All-weather quattro reassurance becomes available for more versions of the executive class Sportback as part of a package of specification changes

• A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI 204PS available from next month in quattro all-wheel-drive form to complement the continuing front-wheel-drive model
• New A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI 204PS quattro with S tronic twin-clutch transmission - 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds, top speed 146mph, 48.7mpg combined, 152g/km CO₂
• Existing A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI 204PS with multitronic CVT transmission - 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds, top speed 146mph, 55.4mpg combined, 135g/km CO₂
• Newly-introduced Standard specification offered in conjunction with this engine brings attractive new front-wheel-drive entry level OTR price of £39,995 – quattro versions from £41,675. First deliveries November.
• Three-seat rear bench now standard for all A7 Sportback models – two-seat sculpted rear bench available as a no-cost option
• Standard specification retains features including 18-inch alloy wheels, Xenon headlamps, Milano leather upholstery, SD card-based satellite navigation, Audi drive select adaptive dynamics, powered tailgate, light and rain sensors

As the UK drifts inexorably towards another potentially slippery winter, Audi is bolstering the defences of its A7 Sportback range by offering quattro all-wheel-drive reassurance for more versions of the acclaimed executive class fastback. New 3.0-litre TDI quattro 204PS models will be available to order early next month to coincide with a new Standard trim level that will be available exclusively with this engine. In new Standard form the A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI will lower the range entry price to £39,995 OTR, with the new A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI quattro just above at £41,675 OTR.

The ‘entry level’ V6 TDI engine has until now been offered only in conjunction with front-wheel-drive and the eight-speed multitronic continuously variable transmission. In this form it powers the A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI 204PS to 62mph from rest in 7.4 seconds and on to a 146mph top speed, while at the same time offering the potential for 55.4mpg fuel economy with low 135g/km CO2 emissions.

This configuration, which is now available from £39,995 OTR, will continue alongside the new quattro all-wheel-drive version. Equipped with the seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission, the A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI quattro 204PS covers the 0-62mph sprint a fraction more quickly at 7.2 seconds, matches the 146mph top speed and offers up to 48.7mpg with CO2 emissions of 152g/km. Benefit-in-kind liability for business users stands at 20% in front-wheel-drive versions and 23% for the quattros.

Just as the latest A7 TDI models manage to maintain impressive economy and emissions figures in quattro form, so the new Standard specification versions of these models deliver all the key features expected of a high end premium executive car. These include 18-inch alloy wheels, Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps, Milano leather upholstery, the Multi Media Interface (MMI) with 6.5-inch colour display incorporating satellite navigation, Audi drive select adaptive dynamics, powered tailgate operation and light and rain sensors. 

SE specification continues as before, and adds features such as the Audi Parking System Plus with audible and diagrammatical parking aids, cruise control, heated and electrically adjustable front seats and the Audi Music Interface iPod connection. The top rung belongs to the S line models, which upgrade further to 19-inch alloy wheels, Valcona leather upholstery, S line interior and exterior styling treatments, S line sports seats and S line sports suspension.

A new feature that will be common at all levels is the addition of a third rear three-point seatbelt which will enable the A7 Sportback to seat five adults when required. This will add a further element of practicality to the spacious interior, which can also provide up to 1,390 litres of load space when the split/folding rear seat is deployed.

Dedicated drivers can also opt for advanced all-LED headlights, a thermal imaging camera for night vision and, for maximum benefit from the quattro system, a sport differential which can apportion torque between the rear wheels for even greater handling agility and adjustability. Options with a more business class slant include MMI Touch with its 8-inch monitor, fingertip sensitive touch pad, 3D navigation mapping and sizeable hard disk; a UMTS module with wireless WLAN link feeding the navigation system with Google Earth maps and creating a WiFi hotspot in the car for mobile internet access; and a head-up display.

The list of more indulgent luxuries includes comfort seats with heating, cooling and massaging functions, a parallel and perpendicular parking assistant, acoustic glazing, a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system with 1,300 watts of power, digital TV reception and ambient LED interior lighting.

31-01-12: New 313PS Biturbo TDI engine is now available for the A7 Sportback. The new twin-turbo V6 is notable not only for being the most powerful six-cylinder diesel engine ever offered by the Vorsprung durch Technik brand, but also the sweetest-sounding. Available now in A6 models priced from £43,810 OTR, and from £51,645 OTR in the A7 Sportback, it combines trademark Audi TDI refinement with an exhaust-mounted sound actuator that enables it to deliver its mighty 650Nm output to the tune of a distinctly sporting soundtrack.

Slotting in above the single-turbo 204PS and 245PS versions of the 3.0 TDI that already feature in the A6 and A7 Sportback ranges, the latest V6 has a two-stage turbocharger group that delivers a maximum boost pressure of up to 3.2 bar, helping the A6 3.0 BiTDI quattro Saloon to lunge at the horizon and pass the 62mph marker in as little as 5.1 seconds, and the A6 Avant and A7 Sportback to do the same in just 5.3 seconds. An electronically limited top speed of 155mph is common to all versions.

Like the existing TDI engines, the new star performer is backed up by technologies from the Audi modular efficiency platform, including start-stop and recuperation systems and the innovative thermal management system that quickly brings the coolant and oil up to their operating temperatures. With their help, combined economy in A6 and A7 Sportback models is on an equal footing at 44.1mpg – an impressive figure given the high outputs and low acceleration times involved.

Thanks to an innovative actuator in the auxiliary channel of the exhaust system, the BiTDI A6 and A7 Sportback models don’t sound like they should be capable of such level-headed economy figures. The actuator system essentially consists of a speaker which imposes a defined oscillation pattern on the exhaust flow and transforms the typical TDI exhaust note into a more sonorous roar that is closer to the output of a high-performance petrol engine.

Without exception, power is transmitted from the BiTDI engine via an eight-speed tiptronic transmission to the latest generation quattro all-wheel-drive system, which features a self-locking centre differential and torque vectoring for optimum traction and stability.  A sport differential which distributes power in continuously variable proportions between the rear wheels is available from the options list to sharpen and quicken response even further.

The mighty new BiTDI engine is available in conjunction with SE and S line specification in the A6 Saloon, A6 Avant and A7 Sportback. The forthcoming A6 allroad quattro, due to open for order in February, will also offer this exceptional unit.

Stand-out features common to all these models include satellite navigation linked to a 6.5-inch retractable colour monitor, Milano leather upholstery, the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system controlling throttle response, transmission shift points and steering feel, the Audi parking system plus, light and rain sensors, cruise control and keyless go push-button engine ignition.

01-11-12: Black Edition A7 Sportback launched priced from £50,575 OTR to £56,785 OTR.

Black Edition distinguishing features start from the ground up with 21-inch rotor-design alloy wheels with a dark titanium finish and lowered S line sports suspension. There is also a black finish for the grille and number plate surrounds and the window frame strips, plus privacy glass extending from the B-pillar rearwards.

Inside, the scene is set by distinctive Piano Black inlays which complement the sports seats upholstered in black Valcona leather and the black headlining. The A7 Sportback Black Edition gains the BOSE upgrade, and already features DAB radio and AMI as standard from SE specification and above.

The new Black Edition specification is an ideal accompaniment to the formidable 3.0-litre BiTDI unit with its 313PS and 650Nm of torque. It's also available in all versions bar the front-wheel-drive 3.0-litre TDI 204PS and the S7 Sportback.

Audi A7 2010 Road Test

Audi S7 Sportback 2012 Road Test

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